As a bride or groom, your pre-wedding beauty preparation should be one of the most enjoyable parts of planning your wedding.

Here are a few practical tips to help you prepare for your big event.

Skin – you want to be feeling and looking radiant on your wedding day but sometimes the stress in the lead up to the day can play havoc with your skin. Book in a consultation at least six months before your ceremony to work out the best treatment for your skin type and then schedule regular facials.

If you’re down to just a few weeks before the big day, or are being very mindful of your budget, then do this at least a couple of weeks before the wedding to give any blemishes or impurities time to clear.

Tip for her Experimenting with new make-up or skincare products in the fortnight before your wedding is a huge no-go – if you get a reaction, it may not clear up in time – more stress

Tip for him Even if you’re a blokey bloke and don’t care too much about wedding beauty preparation, starting a simple skincare regime months out (daily cleansing and moisturising will do the job) could make a huge difference to your skin come wedding day

Make-up – A professional make-up artist will ensure your make-up lasts the distance; they know how to give the professional touch that is needed to look your best in your photos. If you are going to engage a professional wedding make-up artist then do get in early and do your research well in advance. Word of mouth of course is the best way to find a reliable make-up artist because let’s face it, we only recommend those we trust to do the job.

Tip for her Professionals know all the tricks to ensure you look gorgeous in your photos, but it’s important to ensure that you’re comfortable with your look too, so book in at least one trial run with a make-up artist so that you will be comfortable with the look

Tip for him Even the blokeyist of blokes use make-up for men, let’s face it, a spot of well-placed concealer can hide dark circles and blemishes and with a good make-up artist, no one will ever know

Hair - In the months before the wedding, avoid a radical new haircut, this applies to both the bride and the groom. There might not be enough time to grow it out if it doesn’t turn out the way you had visualised.

Tip for her If you have the budget, it really pays to have a practice styling session with your hairdresser. Take along some pictures of styles you like, so you’ll be able to work out what suits you.

Tip for him Guys don’t always get the chance to pamper themselves, but a barbershop visit may be just the thing for that extra-smooth shave or perfectly-trimmed beard, also makes for a great morning session with the groomsmen.

Hands & Nails - It’s hard to find time on the day to fit everything in, so opting for a gel manicure a day or two before will free up more time on the day. Also get a great, glossy finish with zero smudging or chips. Organise a session for you and your bridal party to ensure all the girls are looking at their best and are matching.

Tip for her Give your nails a polish-free few weeks pre-wedding so they’re in great condition and not liable to break.

Tip for him Manicures aren’t just about polish, though many men are trying this out too. Having your nails shaped, hands massaged and cuticles attended to will mean you can confidently show off that new ring you’ll be wearing